Flatiron Pilates

BOA Pilates is an under-the-radar spot whispered about by your most in-the-know friends, the ones whose results do the advertising. Founded by Chelsea DeLay, it blends classical Pilates with athletic, functional movement—drawing from her background that includes teaching at Forma Pilates and creating Equinox's group Pilates Rise format. The Greenwich Village studio has just six reformers, keeping classes small and highly personalized. This isn't for beginners; the pace and specificity demand a strong baseline. DeLay's schedule fills quickly, but it's worth joining the waitlist, booking with her co-instructor Brittni Tucker, or taking a mat class with one of the vetted rotating instructors. And now, you can use goop as a referral when putting your name on the waitlist. You’re welcome.

Core Culture Pilates in SoHo offers a more traditional, technique-first approach—a quieter alternative to the city's many athletic, fast-paced studios. Classes are rooted in classical Pilates principles, with a strong focus on alignment, control, and precision. Movements are slow and deliberate, to ensure you're working the right muscles rather than relying on momentum. It's also great for beginners: the slower pace makes it easier to learn proper form from the start.

This longtime Pilates mainstay in NYC is known for its deeply individualized, almost clinical approach. Founded by former professional dancer Erika Bloom, the studio focuses on alignment, strength, and overall health through highly tailored private or duet-based sessions (no group classes). The Erika Bloom Method blends classical Pilates with somatic practices like Feldenkrais, often addressing posture, injury, or long-term imbalances. What sets it apart is its curated Wellness Collective—a coordinated group of movement, bodywork, and healing experts—which allows clients to integrate different modalities seamlessly. To book, email a practitioner directly or reach out to studio@erikabloom.com.

ETHĒA is the newly opened, infrared-heated boutique studio in the heart of Tribeca that the city's most in-the-know fitness crowd has been buzzing about. The offerings are refined and intentional with three elevated classes, including infrared-heated sculpt, mat Pilates, and strength. Every class is meticulously structured, and every movement serves a distinct purpose. The result is a workout that feels focused, challenging, and deeply effective. One more thing worth noting: Heated studios can turn smelly fast; this one never does.

Forma Pilates is likely the name your most fit, Pilates-obsessed girlfriends drop when the subject turns to working out. Born in LA with a devoted, A-list clientele (think: Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and the like), Forma has built its reputation on a rigorous, results-driven method. Its SoHo studio runs a 55-minute class across 10 reformers, with a keen emphasis on form, technique, and posture—targeting small muscle groups until you're shaking by the end. Forma also has an Upper East Side studio with only five reformers, as opposed to SoHo's ten. Classes don't come cheap, but the instructors are among the finest anywhere, and it shows. Worth knowing: This isn't a place to start your Pilates journey, and in-studio sessions are referral-only (waitlist here), though anyone can access the online classes.

For fans of heated workouts, Fuze House offers a great low-impact, high-intensity class centered on mat Pilates and sculpt—all in an infrared-heated space. The studio has a soft, Miami-like palette of pale pinks and beiges, complete with Bala equipment for a clean, cohesive look. The Tribeca location features fantastic instructors, a full floor of locker rooms, and luxurious amenities.

Marieva Studio, founded by Marieva Malo, is another of the best classical Pilates experiences in NYC. A master instructor who trained under Erika Bloom and helped open Forma's New York studios, Malo is a go-to for those wanting a very alignment-focused class. Her Upper East Side studio feels more like a private apartment than a fitness space—just two reformers, with sessions limited to privates and duets. Blending a classical foundation with her background as a third-generation dancer, she focuses on alignment, articulation, and balance—you move through exercises that work your body in subtle ways, and will likely feel sore in places you didn't know you could access. To book, email: concierge@marieva.studio

Natural Pilates is one of our go-to studios on the UES for an athletic, full-body workout that feels thoughtful and well-structured. It isn't trying to be fancy; it's just a reliably great workout. The method blends classical Pilates with physical therapy-informed movement, with a strong emphasis on alignment, control, and injury prevention. It’s suitable for all levels: instructors tailor each session, adjusting props and spring resistance to dial intensity up or down.

Nofar Method is one of the more distinctive Pilates workouts in NYC, built around a signature 50-minute class that alternates between the reformer and the Cadillac. Founded by Nofar Hagag—a former Division I athlete who developed the method in medical school—it takes an advanced, anatomy-driven approach that's both technical and high-intensity. Quick transitions, varied sequences, and props keep you working strength, flexibility, and control all at once. There's also an infrared sauna with two lounge chairs available to book. This is a perfect class for beginner to intermediate skill levels.

Pilates by Stef is one of our go-to Pilates classes in NYC for its technique-driven, athletic approach and strong sense of community (the city views from the studio don't hurt, either). Led by Stef Bertoncini at Water Street Athletics, the reformer classes blend classical Pilates with strength and functional movement. Stef is very hands-on—constantly correcting your positioning so you feel the muscles you’re supposed to be activating—and the programming is challenging but never unbearable. With a strong base of regulars, it feels less like a drop-in workout than a place to become part of a community.

Classes at Practice Room NYC blend hot sculpt, Pilates, yoga, and recovery. The original NoHo location (with a second outpost in Williamsburg) has two infrared-heated rooms set at 105 degrees, where the heat feels more like direct sunlight than traditional sauna heat. Instructors each bring their own energy and playlists; we recommend Lauren Schramm's hot sculpt classes (join the waitlist, they fill fast). While they don’t have traditional locker rooms, Practice Room does have complimentary showers, towels, and fully stocked beauty bars with Dyson hairdryers.

TERA Studio & Pilates Club in SoHo is a private, referral-based studio founded by Georgia Wood Murphy, known for its contemporary, strength-driven take on Pilates. The TERA Method™ blends traditional foundations with dynamic, athletic movement—classes are tough, controlled, and definitely not for beginners. The SoHo space is deliberately intimate, with a members-only feel that keeps classes small and tight-knit. If you can't make it in person, their Online Studio offers mat-based classes that follow the same method.

At The LIV Method, everything is built around the individual. Rather than booking a standard class, you share your goals and do an intro call to be matched with the right trainer. From there, it's fully tailored—a structured plan built around your goals, schedule, and lifestyle, whether you're doing personal training or small group sessions. They place equal emphasis on recovery, with a dedicated Rituals suite featuring an infrared sauna, steam room, and cold plunge. There's also a Midtown location (without the recovery suite) and an outpost in East Hampton.

Built around strength, mobility, and stability, the Pvolve method focuses on functional movement patterns that help you move better—not just look sculpted. You’ve likely seen Jennifer Aniston promoting Pvolve on her Instagram—after experiencing the method firsthand, she joined as both an advisor and ambassador. What sets it apart is the approach. Classes use patented resistance equipment and controlled, low-impact movements to sculpt and tone without putting excess stress on the joints. It’s grounded in ongoing clinical research, which is evident in how intentional the programming feels.

SOTO Method, founded by Hilary Hoffman, offers high-intensity, low-impact workouts. After the success of the original Tribeca studio, they recently opened a second on the Upper East Side. Both studios offer two formats: SotoSweat, a higher-energy class with cardio intervals; and SotoSculpt, focused on strength and muscle definition. The method is designed to be repeated rather than constantly changed, letting you build strength and track progress—no overcomplicated choreography, just controlled, targeted movement.

The Pack is built around a clear mission: preparing you for whatever life throws at you, physically and mentally. The 50-minute class is split into three parts—strength, striking, and endurance—to help you develop power, coordination, and stamina in the same session. Strength uses dumbbells, benches, and resistance bands with a focus on control and stability; the striking portion brings in boxing, kicks, and knees on B.O.B. dummies; and class concludes with endurance on Echo bikes. The idea is that preparation and consistent work leads to confidence and capability, far beyond the workout.

Broome Street Yoga is Gwyneth's go-to yoga studio whenever she's in New York City, offering what she describes as a "deep miracle" inside the body. It's located inside a Hindu temple in lower Manhattan, grounded in traditional practice, and dedicated to the ongoing study of yoga. Classes span multiple styles—from breath-focused sessions to those incorporating meditation, sound healing, or strength-based work—so there's something for every level and interest. Many classes are also available online, making it easy to stay connected whether you're in the city or not.

One of the best heated yoga studios in NYC, Lyons Den is known for its infrared-heated power vinyasa classes set to curated playlists. The flows are fast-paced and demanding, but instructors offer hands-on corrections and thoughtful modifications to help you move smoothly through class, regardless of experience level. Each class is rooted in their "Journey Into Power" sequence—a foundational Vinyasa flow that matches breath to movement—meant to build heat, strength, and mental clarity.

Perhaps the chicest yoga studio in NYC, Sky Ting was designed in part by Courtney Applebaum—who collaborated with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen on The Row's Melrose Place store—and has an airy, effortlessly cool aesthetic. The foundation of their signature Sky Ting class is pulled from Vinyasa, Katonah, Iyengar, Kundalini, and Hatha yoga traditions—but each instructor brings their own perspective, so no two sessions feel the same. They also offer specialty classes including infrared-heated and candlelit sessions. The studio also has an on-site spa, featuring two infrared saunas, a cold plunge, and a relaxing lounge with three day beds.

SOUK Yoga Studio is a unique space that brings together movement, sound, and community. Classes are rooted in established yoga traditions like Jivamukti, Iyengar, and Ashtanga, alongside breathwork and sound meditation—and there’s a strong emphasis on how everything connects, from breath to movement to mental stillness. Each session is taught by experienced instructors, and suitable for all levels.

A longtime New York staple, the flagship Chelsea Piers Fitness location spans 150,000 square feet along Hudson River Park and feels more like a full athletic complex than a typical gym. Beyond the gym floor, there are sport-specific spaces—basketball and sand volleyball courts, an indoor track—plus a wide class lineup spanning Pilates, yoga, barre, cycling, boxing, and HIIT. There's also a serious aquatic and recovery component with a 6-lane, 75-foot saltwater pool, cold plunge tubs, an infrared sauna, and a hot tub—all with views of the Hudson. Whether you want to lift, take classes, train for a sport, or focus on recovery, it's all here. There's even a babysitting service for the little ones.

We love the Equinox locations throughout the city, but the brand's 60,000-square-foot flagship in Hudson Yards is something special: a complete training environment, not simply a place to work out. What sets it apart is the range of amenities: an indoor saltwater lap pool, hot and cold plunges, outdoor barrel saunas, and a year-round heated lounge pool on a terrace with 360-degree views of Manhattan and the Hudson. It's a destination rather than a local gym, and one worth making time for. Note: This location requires an additional membership fee.

Gotham Gym in the West Village has a no-nonsense, results-first approach. Founded by Rob Piela, it earned its standing over the years as one of the city's most respected places to train. Boxing is the core of what they do, built out into a complete strength and conditioning program. Sessions are mostly one-on-one and tailored closely to the individual. People come to put in real work—and they return because it delivers.

Set on the rooftop of a former factory in Long Island City, CityView Racquet Club is an all-in-one destination built around racket sports—and our favorite place to play tennis in NYC, thanks to genuinely bookable courts and expert coaching. It's the only club in New York City with tennis, padel, and squash—and facilities include five Har-Tru clay tennis courts, three padel courts, four squash courts, a gym, locker rooms, and a contrast therapy spa. A recent Brisas partnership resulted in a design refresh, expanding the club beyond sports with an all-day café, a member lounge, a co-working space, and areas for recovery. The coaching is exceptional and the programming is strong across all three sports.

Positioned right along the Hudson, these courts have sweeping views of the Freedom Tower and the Lower Manhattan skyline. The three free hard courts are open daily from 6am to 1am on a first-come, first-served basis—no reservations or permits required—with play capped at an hour when others are waiting. On weekdays during the school year, courts may be reserved for permitted school use from 3:30 to 5:30pm.

Tucked into Midtown, Manhattan Plaza Racquet Club is a small club with five hard courts under an insulated bubble, perfect for year-round play. Booking courts in NYC can be a challenge, but here it's far more manageable: Members are able to reserve up to two weeks ahead and the club offers organized match play that pairs you with players at your level. The coaching is strong, too, with experienced pros who are available to teach adults and juniors at all levels. It's straightforward, reliable, and refreshingly low-hassle.

Padel Haus has the best padel courts in Brooklyn, and the Williamsburg outpost is the original and flagship location. The club features four indoor, state-of-the-art courts, making it a reliable year-round place to play, regardless of weather. Beyond the courts, there's a fitness studio with Aviron rowing machines for high-intensity cardio conditioning. The spa-like locker rooms have rain showers and Malin + Goetz products, plus there's a juice bar and lounge spaces throughout. The programming includes clinics, tournaments, and coaching for all skill levels. Membership isn't required to play, but it grants priority booking and better rates.

As Manhattan's first dedicated padel club, Reserve Padel Hudson Yards brings a refined, community-driven approach to one of the fastest-growing sports around. The club features three outdoor, glass-enclosed courts with elevated viewing areas, so even when you're not playing, you're part of the energy. Clinics, coaching, and open court time make it accessible for all levels, from first-timers to experienced players. It's also more than the courts: locker rooms, showers, a gym, and cold plunges make it a full workout and recovery destination. And, the members-only model keeps a consistent group of regulars coming back.

Roosevelt Island Racquet Club feels removed from the usual city chaos, creating a calmer, more focused environment to play tennis in NYC. The club features twelve clay courts and a comfortable clubhouse—a traditional setup that's less about design than well-maintained courts and consistent play—with a strong team running extensive adult and junior programming. Their match pairing service make it easy to get on court (since you don't have to coordinate schedules), and members can book up to two weeks in advance. Right next to the 59th Street tram, it's only minutes from Manhattan—just long enough for the ride to feel like you've left your day behind, without losing major time to the commute.

John Macenroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) at SPORTIME on Randall's Island has one of the most comprehensive tennis facilities and academies in NYC. Spanning over 250,000 square feet, its scale alone sets it apart and makes it easy to get on-court year-round. The club features 29 tennis courts—a mix of Laykold hard and Har-Tru clay—plus padel courts and multiple indoor, climate-controlled structures. Beyond tennis, the setup is complete with training spaces, locker rooms, lounge areas, a pro shop with 24-hour stringing, and a café. As the home of the JMTA, its coaching and programming are exceptional, with a junior development track that's among the strongest in the city.

Take 96th street all the way to the Hudson, and you’ll find Manhattan's only public, outdoor red-clay courts—complete with lovely views of the water. The clay surface is the real draw here—it slows the game down and shifts focus to technique and precision. Combined with the quiet setting in Riverside Park, it feels removed from the city, making it one of the more under-the-radar places to play. While technically public, it’s worth noting these courts are operated by the Riverside Clay Tennis Association, which offers priority reservations and programming for members. (If you're not a member, courts can be hard to book since member events often fill the schedule.)

FORWARD__Space promotes cardio and conditioning in their 50-minute classes that mix dance, athletic movement, and meditative flow. Founded by renowned dancer and choreographer Kristin Sudeikis, the intention of each class is all about feeling empowered through euphoric exercise and tuning into how you feel while moving your body. There’s no dance background required—the music drives everything, pulling you into the lively movement.

Last summer, the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School started offering Open Classes: high-level dance training sessions without the commitment of a full program. These drop-in classes at their Manhattan studios span ballet, jazz, contemporary, and conditioning—open to all levels, from beginners to professionals. Taught by Joffrey faculty, the instruction emphasizes strength, alignment, and artistic expression, with the feel of a professional studio among an all-adult, artist-driven community. Check in on the third floor before class, and note that proper ballet shoes are required for ballet sessions.

After three years in the Hamptons, The Formula X Meredith recently opened on the Upper East Side—and it has a strong cult following. The 60-minute, low-impact, high-intensity workout is set to music and built around repetition and precision. Each class has a joyous energy and delivers results through intentional, efficient movement.

The Class by Taryn Toomey is a music-driven, somatic workout designed to regulate the nervous system and release pent-up energy. Sessions move through a grounding warm-up, repetitive sequences, breathwork, and a vocal release—yelling, shaking, letting go—before concluding with a calming reset. It’s equal parts physical workout and emotional catharsis. Come with an open mind; you'll leave feeling noticeably lighter mentally.

No goop wellness list would be complete without Tracy Anderson—Gwyneth’s longtime friend and trusted trainer. Opened in 2009, her Tribeca studio brings the world-renowned Tracy Anderson Method (TAM) to life through signature classes like muscular design,  dance cardio, and multitask Band (featuring her proprietary Iso-Kinetic Band System), along with private training. The space spans three levels, with signature Super G floors, private training rooms, women's locker rooms, and a retail area. As with all Tracy Anderson studios, classrooms are kept at controlled heat and humidity, meant to support performance and results.

If you’re after cocktails, moody lighting, and DJs slinging jazz and Aretha Franklin on vinyl, you’ll find all of the above at Another Country.

They use incredibly fresh fish in particularly inventive ways here, which has earned them a well-deserved Michelin star. We like to dine at the bar and give in to affable chef Masato Shimizu's omakase, which is full of some pretty unusual and surprising flavor combinations—not always the easiest thing to achieve when it comes to sushi.

Helmed by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, this airy, all-white space is a temple to inventive, seasonal, and local cooking, sourced from nearby farms and cooperatives. It doesn't come as much of a shock that the fare is GMO-free and also made without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, antibiotics, or hormones. It's not surprising because you can taste the well-sourced provenance on the plate, whether in the form of house-made ricotta ravioli or fried organic chicken in a hot sauce butter.

Helmed by Chef Andy Nusser, expect nothing less than delicious tapas—excellent meats, manchego cheese, boquerones—all served up as authentically as if you were in Madrid. If you come just for drinks, you won't be disappointed by the list, and you can pretty much make a meal out of a few of their authentic offerings. (If you're still hungry, head next door to Casa Mono.)

Andy Nusser's tiny tapas spot opened years ago, but the vibe and food is still just as great—particularly on those days when you're really missing Spain. The menu leans pretty heavily on proteins, but the more veggie-driven dishes hold their own, too. Meanwhile, Mono's sister property next door, Bar Jamón, is great for a post-dinner nightcap. Both spaces can accommodate full buyouts for private parties.

So NYC has never really gotten snaps for its Mexican food, but Cosme is said to break the trend. It's probably because it's from chef Enrique Olvera, of Mexico City Pujol fame—trust us when we say he’s legit. The private room is just as sleek and modern as the rest of the restaurant, and while it'll cost you, a prix-fixe private meal here is an incredibly special experience.

A meal here is a total, resolutely vegetarian, treat. This Michelin-starred, Art Deco-esque restaurant is also an investment, both in time and money. But it’s absolutely worth it, as the kitchen, under the direction of chef Daniel Humm, sends forth molecular gastronomy-inflected dishes that are pristine and precise. On the tasting menu, you’ll choose the main ingredient—the rest is up to the kitchen, meaning that each dish is a wonderful surprise.

Gallow Green is actually the rooftop of the McKittrick Hotel. When you first walk in, you might expect a woodland nymph to pop out from behind one of the lush arches. The cozy garden vibe here is neither pretentious nor touristy, and the views of the city are some of the best. Their unusual cocktails keep with the theme, with names like Summer Coven and The Garden Shed.

For over 30 years, this venerable Danny Meyer restaurant has been continually packed, thanks to the delicious, seasonal, and local American cuisine, a movement that’s currently stewarded by chef Michael Anthony, of Blue Hill fame. The woodsy dining room, complete with Robert Kushner’s vegetable mural, is so comforting. Their private room is a great classic spot for a private event.

Tex-Mex isn’t a type of cuisine you’d normally associate with New York City, but after a meal at this cheerful spot in Gramercy (a few blocks north of Union Square), you might rethink that idea. Grab some friends and order the traditional queso and a round of prickly pear margaritas before diving into your entree. The mole is reliably tasty, as are the grilled shrimp tacos. The central location makes it a great group dinner spot, but there’s also a second location on the Upper East Side.

This hangout for Australians (for real) offers an insanely delicious burger, along with meal-worthy salads, making it a great pit-stop for a quick bite. Due to its popularity, the original location in Nolita has doubled in size (expanding into next door’s space) since opening in 2003. This is their second location.

If you've visited Maman cafés, you're familiar with founders Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall's talent for creating utterly chic, French-inspired spaces you want to live in. Their Maman Nomad outpost checks all these boxes. The first uptown presence for the duo, the gorgeous café and restaurant serve up decadent lunch and brunch options, including healthy homemade soups and quiches, plus their famous nutty chocolate chip cookies. Go for a relaxed brunch or afternoon coffee–or, in a pinch, grab something to go.

Come to Upland (named for the chef's hometown) for a taste of California in the heart of NYC. Designed by Roman & Williams, the space is understandably warm and inviting—the light-filled dining room’s checkered tablecloths and wooden accents compliment the menu’s rustic, ingredient-driven offerings: sausage-and-kale pizza, cioppino, and a limoncello olive oil cake.

Amy’s started out in Hell’s Kitchen back in 1992 and in the intervening years, her business has gone gangbusters, supplying many of the city’s gourmet shops with their wonderful bread and pastries. Head to any of the stores—our favorite is still the largely unchanged original—to pick up a French baguette, olive twist, or one of their delicious pastries to go.

Located in the old Nabisco building just north of the Meatpacking District, you’ll find a warren-like maze of restaurants and specialty shops. There are many hits, but we like Los Tacos No.1 for authentic Mexican and, if cooking a special meal at home is an option, we’d pick up our bread at Amy’s, fresh groceries at the Manhattan Fruit Market, and crustaceans at Lobster Place (they also do great pre-made rolls). You'll also find Bowery Kitchen Supply and Posman Books, where the offerings are more suitcase-appropriate.

Essentially Costco-sized, this Italian gourmet grocery store stocks aisle after aisle of the best artisanal ingredients, including truly fantastic fresh pasta. Throughout the space (which also includes cookware), you’ll find plenty of places to sit down and eat. While there are several restaurants upstairs, we find the best way to experience Eataly it is to grab a seat at one of the many bar-size specialty eateries scattered across the main shop floor.

Beyond being one of the better grocery stores around, Fairway is the perfect New York cross section: You'll see young families, ladies in fur coats, and students looking for good food at good prices here.

Just Salad was an early adopter of the fast casual dining option, and they now have locations in practically every New York neighborhood. While they have some great existing menu options (including a few rotating seasonal choices), the main move here is to create your own salad and have it chopped. The ingredients are always really fresh, as they source many from within 350 miles of the restaurant at New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Vermont farms, prioritizing organic and non-GMO foods.

As serious home cooks attest, Kalustyan’s may just be the best international food stockist in the world. Operating out of the same Lexington Avenue location since 1944, they stock every spice, grain, cracker, and chutney in the world from India to Italy, along with just the right implements, whether it be a tortilla press or a tagine. The sheer size of the honey aisle alone is enough to drop jaws. It’s a foodie mecca, not just for the seemingly infinite varieties of foods and international kitchen tools, but for the outstanding sandwiches and Mediterranean food served at their cafe upstairs.

There’s no lack of gelato shops in NYC, though this one is probably the best of the bunch. Handmade the Italian way, using strictly natural, seasonal ingredients, the gelato here is just sweet and creamy enough that it doesn’t feel overly heavy.

Methodology, a food delivery plan that ships nationwide, is made for busy professionals (or generally fast-paced New Yorkers) looking for nourishing meals at minimal effort. Their plans range from vegan to keto, and they taste amazing. The menu, which changes weekly, is full of cleaned-up comfort foods like Spanish chickpea paella and vegan eggplant caponata made with basil pesto, broccolini, and pistachio parmesan. Their desserts are amazing, too: think matcha chocolate collagen balls and paleo dark chocolate brownies with avocado frosting. You can mix and match your proteins and sides, and arrange for portions to be big enough for two servings. Meals arrive in glass jars, which travel well, and they'll pick up for easy reuse. Delivery is available nationwide (except Alaska and Hawaii).

Danny Meyer does a lot right at his burger chain, evidenced be the long lines at all the outposts. While we’ll always prefer the original kiosk in Madison Square Park, there’s a convenient location across from the Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side, as well as one near all the Pier 25 action in Battery Park City. We’re big fans because the meat in Meyer’s burgers and dogs is completely antibiotic- and hormone-free, as is the dairy in the shakes and custards. It’s also reliably delicious.

We’re big fans of this sustainability-first spot, which has been growing rapidly. The focus is on local farmers, proper sourcing, and environmental respect, which is also reflected in the hands-down delicious food. Besides the build-your-own salad bar, the bowl-centric dishes range from Mexican-inspired salads to basic cobbs. Come lunchtime, the lines extend around the block.

If you're renovating, this is the place to go for absolutely any style of tile. Their library is vast and they carry a variety of materials including stone, wood, leather, and porcelain.

Vermont native Emily Thompson earned an MFA in sculpture from UCLA, a fact that’s evident in all of her floral centerpieces—yes, she uses flowers (which tend to be as wild and fecund as possible), but she builds them into boutiques that look like they might have sprung from a Renaissance painting. There are brambles, and sticks, and over-ripe pieces of fruit, all done up to pretty stunning effect.

This is where you should go to to outfit a classy man cave. It's also a good place to find one-of-a-kind antiques in general. You'll find big industrial pieces alongside Hermes travel bags, Louis Vuitton trunks, and designer furniture by people like Isamu Noguchi and Jean Prouvé. And, fittingly, come here if you’re looking to outfit a bar.

Family-owned for 20-odd years, Posman Books has managed to stay both independent and right in the mainstream: Instead of gravitating to quiet neighborhood corners, they found a space in one of the city’s most bustling centers—Chelsea Market. It’s wise, because they’re thriving, and offering a great array of books, toys, games, and cards in the process.

The jewel of Larry Gagosian's gallery empire is a gargantuan, museum-standard center in Chelsea: The space alone is worth a visit for its sheer monumentality. And fittingly, the stable of artists displayed there consists of the art world's heavyweights from Ed Ruscha, to Taryn Simon and Jeff Koons. There are multiple outposts in the city (including a location on 21st street) along with galleries around the world.

The High Line is a public park built on a former elevated freight rail line along Manhattan's west side, running from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea to Hudson Yards. It's a linear path with planted gardens, seating areas, and framed views of the city and the Hudson River. What makes it special is the design: The original rail tracks are woven into the landscaping, and the plantings shift with the seasons. Rather than escaping the city, you move through it from a different vantage point, catching glimpses of streets and buildings you'd never notice from the ground. We recommend it for a walk with a friend when you want to get your steps in, but be warned—it's almost always crowded.

Founded in 1985 by co-owners Lawrence R. Luhring and Roland J. Augustine, this Chelsea gallery focuses on representing an international group of contemporary painters, sculptors, photographers, and multimedia artists. The roster is a roll-call for some of the world's most celebrated artists from Larry Clark to Joel Sternfeld, Pipilotti Rist, Janine Antoni, and more. There's also a location in Tribeca.

With a stable of some of our favorite contemporary artists and photographers—Luigi Ghiri, Nan Goldin and Terry Winters—gallerist Matthew Marks has made a name for himself for his offbeat, yet totally on-point exhibitions. There are three outposts in Chelsea.

While the name might invoke childhood memories of fear and loathing for the subject, this super interactive museum might inspire an affection for math. It revolves around hands-on rides and activities that employ mathematical concepts to function—a tricycle with square wheels that rolls across a track, a chair that drifts across a pool of acorn shapes—meaning that a few hours spent here will be both fun and insightful.

Smack in the middle of Koreatown, this futuristic spa revolves around four grottoes, which light up an otherwise pitch black room. You'll find a jade, clay, and amethyst sauna, each infused with far infrared, along with a series of wet rooms for really, really, really good Korean scrubs. As a bonus, it's open from 10am to 2am.

Situated on a pier along the Hudson River, this gigantic sporting complex operates out of the "if you build it, they will come" mindset. And it’s true: Here, you’ll find year-round ice skating, a rock climbing wall, gymnastics, soccer, a driving range, and more, all situated under one sprawling roof.

This is one of the most trusted names in spray tanning in New York, and for good reason. Under the watchful eye of the owner, Tamar, you'll never step out with a weird, orange undertone or that terrible fake tan smell. The tiny salon is in a random building on Broadway, but no matter: You'll be in and out in under 15 minutes (and they're open until 10pm). They also do house-calls.

An appointment at this no-frills day spa (there are seven throughout the city) is wonderfully personalized: You choose the duration of your treatment and set your goals with your skin therapist. Every treatment comes with a deep cleanse, exfoliation, custom mask, and hydration, then ends with sunscreen protection. Upgrades include peels, microdermabrasion, and light therapy, and if you need monthly treatments, there is a membership program.

Othership Flatiron is one of the most high-energy, immersive contrast therapy experiences in NYC, with guided sauna and cold plunge sessions set to music and breathwork. Classes are less quiet and meditative than dynamic and engaging—designed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized. The shared momentum of moving through it with a group is hard to replicate on your own.

Remedy Place is a standout in NYC for recovery—a social wellness club that blends ancient practices with modern technology to support your overall wellbeing. At the flagship in Flatiron and second outpost in Soho,  interiors reflect this approach—warm tones, cozy chairs, and sofas create a space that's minimal yet purposeful, never stark or cold. The wellness offerings are extensive, spanning IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, breathwork, contrast therapy, and more.

It’s not just the glossy nails you walk out with that makes us love this airy nail studio. There’s also the cute slippers they gift you, the red-light treatment that leaves your hands soft as silk...not to mention the service where the salon invites you to write yourself a letter as you wait for your nails to dry. (Write something nice—they mail it to you a few weeks later.) All five locations feel spalike in their serenity, and the Soho location’s lush balcony is perfect for luxuriating as you air-dry your nails.

At the tippy top of the famous Hotel Chelsea, above the fray of downtown Manhattan, sits this light-filled spa-oasis. Everything your eye touches is exquisite—from the rustic brick hearth in the sitting area where you sip cucumber water and the rooftop terrace garden to the festooned-with-flowers sheets on the treatment beds and the heated Japanese toilets in the changing rooms. It’s got everything you want—a traditional Swedish sauna, soaking tubs, rain showers, and epic treatments that leave you feeling practically reborn.

This stunning wellness studio is 13,000 square feet of soothing neutrals and light toned woods. We love the airy wellness cafe, and the seemingly unlimited menu treatments. The facials are some of the best in the city; their signature one, a totally custom, 90-minute experience, incorporates the LYMA laser and a series of Biologique Recherche products to cleanse, soothe, and hydrate. Plus, you bring home a personalized routine recommended by one of their master estheticians.